The Met Office issued advice ahead of strong winds this weekend
The Met Office has warned of potential travel disruption this weekend as strong winds are predicted to hit parts of the UK. A yellow weather warning will be in place from 7am on Saturday, December 21 to 11.59pm the same day as winds of up to 60mph are expected to hit Merseyside.
A separate yellow weather warning, also for wind, will be in place from 12am on Sunday, December 22 to 9pm on Sunday, December 22. Forecasters predict a period of strong winds on Saturday is “likely to lead to some transport disruption.”
The yellow weather warning covers the majority of Merseyside for both days, including Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens. According to the forecast, strong westerly winds are expected to develop through the course of Saturday, with gusts of 50 to 60mph developing quite widely across this region, and a small chance of gusts reaching 70mph around some coasts and high ground areas.
READ MORE: Winning Set for Life numbers for Thursday, December 19READ MORE: Cannabis farms found after block of flats goes up in flames
The Met Office added this has the potential to cause delays to public transport and some disruption to the road network, which may have a “greater than usual impact” given the busier pre-Christmas weekend travel. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard.
The Met Office shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, with advice ahead of strong winds. The post read: “Warnings for strong winds are in place for regions across the UK this weekend. Here are some simple tips and advice you can follow to ensure that you stay safe if you are out and about or travelling in the run up to Christmas.” Below are five tips issued by the Met Office on how to stay safe.
1. Protecting your property from damage and other people from injury
Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds.Items include:
- bins
- plant pots
- garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place)
- trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
- sheds (ensure doors are locked)
2. Things you can do before a journey
Windy weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys:
- Plan your route, check for delays and road closures
- Listen out for travel updates on your car radio/sat nav
- If you don’t have essentials in your car then pack for the worst (warm clothing, food, drink, blanket, torch)
- Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack
3. Driving safely in strong wind
Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by:
- Driving slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts
- Be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads
- Be cautious overtaking high sided vehicles/caravans
- Make sure you hold the steering wheel firmly
- Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual
More about travelling in storms, rain and heavy wind
4. Staying safe when you’re at the coast
If you live or work on the coast take extra care during windy and stormy weather. Keep yourself and others safe by following these simple steps:
- Check the forecasts and tides in your local area here
- Beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea
- Take care if walking near cliffs – know your route and keep dogs on a lead
- In an emergency 999 (UK) or 112 (Ireland) and ask for the Coastguard
5. Avoiding injury if you’re out and about
Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.
